“You’re so pathetic.” He said as he kicked her on the floor. Tina cried in pain as he kicked her a second time.

“Leave my mommy alone. I hate you.”

“Shut up. You ungrateful little shit.” He yelled at Christian. “I took care of you all those years and you want to live with her.” He spat on her. “With her and that bitch.”

“Eric please?” Tina’s cries were weak. “Let us go.”

“What? I’m not letting anyone leave. The only way you two are leaving here is in a body bag. No one is talking my son away from me. No one. You get that?”

“Eric let him go.” Tina begged. “He didn’t do anything to you. It’s me you’re angry with. He’s your son I know you don’t want to harm him.” Tina reasoned.

Bette was done preparing dinner. It was only when she was finished she realised how late it was and that Tina hadn’t arrived home with Christian. She continued setting the table and organising Christian’s room before trying Tina on her cellular phone. When she didn’t answer she called Alice. Alice Picked up on the second ring. “Hey Al.”

“Hey Bette what’s up?”

‘Has Tina called you? She was supposed to be home an hour ago and I haven’t heard from her.”

“I’m sure she’s fine. She’s probably held up at the house.”

“Yeah probably.” Bette sighed. “Ok well I’ll talk to you later.”

“Ok, bye.”

She hung up and immediately called Kit. “Hey baby girl.” Kit greeted her.

“Hey.”

“What’s up, you don’t sound too good.”

“I’m looking for Tina. Did she come by this afternoon?”

“No, but you two must be excited.”

“Yes, yes we are.” Bette continued. “She was supposed to be home an hour ago. You know, our first dinner as a family.”

“Maybe she got held up talking with Eric.”

“Yeah that’s what Alice said. But it’s not like her. She would have called by now.”

“Well have you called Eric?”

“No. I’ll do that. Thanks Kit. Talk to later.”

“Anytime baby.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Bette called Tina’s mobile again and it went to voice mail. She tried the number Tina gave her for the house. The phone rang several times with no answer. Instinct took over and she did the only other thing she can at the moment. “Guys, I need your help. Can you meet me at the office? Great, I’ll be there in a bit.”